Cutting Costs and Headaches with FDD
In the ever-expanding world of building data and analytics, a common question that arises is not if the increased use of building data and Field Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) has value, but rather how to best maximize the value of FDD with the least amount of upfront cost and effort? To harvest and intelligently utilize all the data a building has to offer, businesses…
Read MoreRecently, I listened to a very insightful and interesting podcast from Smart Building Academy. During the episode, Phil Zito, Founder and CEO of Smart Buildings Academy, interviews Maureen Ehrenberg, CEO of Blue Skyre IBE, about commercial real estate (CRE) and the strategies a listener could consider as they navigate the ever-evolving post-COVID world.
Read MoreImagine this scenario: You are a building owner and you receive a call from a tenant that their space is too cold. It’s the middle of the winter and you need to react quickly before the comfort complaint becomes a dangerous situation. You check your building automation system and it confirms that the space is indeed cold. But what exactly is causing the problem? Is it a piece of equipment? Which one? And what other units might be affected? Who is going to call to complain next?
Read MoreIf you’ve spent time in our documentation, you may have noticed a reference to securing your ports with an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate for applications like MobileTech or Schedule, or a note that some devices won’t allow you to even connect without one. Information like this sometimes appears to be just another ingredient in the…
Read MoreUniversity buildings are designed and operated differently than those in other markets, making building optimization a unique challenge. With multiple structures that serve different needs and have different energy requirements, it requires diligence and lots of data to muster energy savings while maintaining occupant comfort.
Read MoreEfficiency is always good when it comes to maintenance and repairs of building energy systems, but it became especially critical in 2020. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing became a necessity. To reduce the risk of virus exposure, essential building work needed to be completed as quickly as possible.
Read MoreEnergy Expert Smashes Energy Myths
You are probably wondering why in 2020, confusion still paralyzes action to achieve building energy savings. The dilemma is confounded by bold energy savings claims that are often unfounded and in the real-world lead to subpar results. The facts are that:
- 23% of energy conservation measures fail three to four years after implementation*
- Energy savings from retro-commissioning reduced by 25% after four years**
Read MoreThere are many opinions on what should be done to prevent viruses from spreading within the classroom, but the elephant in the room is what is being done to prevent HVAC systems from accidentally spreading the virus within and between rooms. ASHRAE has laid out detailed plans in five different areas to make sure that all risks are accounted for to strategically address Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
Until there is a widely available vaccine, let’s look at the ASHRAE guidance to determine what can be done in the interim to provide peace of mind and protection for both students and staff to achieve the goal of keeping minimizing transmission.
Read MoreE. Robert Kent of Poole & Kent Corporation back during the building boom of the Eisenhower Administration era created a Job Status Report for project managers and management at Poole & Kent. Mr. Kent used this report not only to review projects monthly with PMs during his tenure at the Company but also promoted its use for mechanical and facility services contractors outside his firm before and after retirement. Below is the basic format of the Job Status Report advocated by Mr. Kent for use within and outside his Company (the numbers used are rounded to the nearest thousand and data specific to this presentation):
Read MoreThe challenge: Rarely are current reports answering simple client questions.
Be Prepared to Answer This Simple Question - What have you done for me lately?
It’s a common question asked of any service provider by their clients. The question can take many similar forms, such as:
· How do you provide value?
· How do I know this is fixed?
· Or the often implied but rarely said, Why should I trust you?
Read MoreIn a Perfect World
Building Automation Systems (BAS) manage an array of operational services for equipment in buildings, including heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, lighting, and security components. Many controls manufacturers utilize the protocols such as BACnet Protocol (ASHRAE 135) to transmit data across BAS networks to control the building and report any anomalous conditions or equipment level alarms.
Read MoreDuring these unprecedented times, many mechanical service providers (MSPs) are faced with the challenge of supporting the critical infrastructure of their communities and protecting the health and safety of their workers. Usually, this results in employees stepping up and putting their own personal interests aside for the greater good of the community. Many people don’t realize how important their work is to hospitals, laboratories, communication centers, municipal governments, and manufacturing. The role of MSPs is crucial to keep these facilities operating at full capacity.
Read MoreWe share in your struggles to understand how to adapt to the changing market conditions and have many interesting observations from conversations with HVAC leaders that are formulating the best recommendations to be of relevance and high value to their building clients.
The first thing that is common in every conversation with MSP clients is how can you be of service to building clients with ideas that will help them succeed in uncertain times. People react to uncertainty based upon three primary instincts: Flight, Fight or Freeze. The key to help customers act (fight) with a purpose to help building owners save money and mitigate risk.
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